The Middlebrook Timeshttps://middlebrooktimes.com
The student news site of Middlebrook Middle School
Mon, 04 Feb 2019 20:52:09 +0000 en-US
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1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.1.1Snap! Crackle! Pop! Rice Krispie Treats Just in Time for Valentines Dayhttps://middlebrooktimes.com/1017/entertainment/snap-crackle-pop/
https://middlebrooktimes.com/1017/entertainment/snap-crackle-pop/#commentsMon, 04 Feb 2019 20:50:33 +0000https://middlebrooktimes.com/?p=1017One of my favorite snacks ever is… Rice Krispie Treats! Over the weekend, I tried out a new recipe, and it worked! This is the best Rice Krispie treat recipe and it comes just in time for Valentines Day!

What You Will Need:

3 Tbsp Butter

Mini Marshmallows (about one bag)

6 cups, Rice Krispie Cereal

How To Make

Melt the butter in a medium pan on medium heat.

Add mini-marshmallows; stir until they are completely melted.

Turn off the heat.

Add the Rice Krispie Cereal and mix until the cereal is completely coated with the marshmallow mixture.

Spoon into a 9×11″ shallow pan.

Press down into the pan.

Bake for 15-minute segments; check every 15 minutes.

Take out.

Cool.

Enjoy!

This is such a good recipe, and I totally suggest trying it. Remember, do not eat if you are allergic to sugar, salt, gluten, nuts, and much more. Happy Baking!

]]>https://middlebrooktimes.com/1017/entertainment/snap-crackle-pop/feed/1High Demand Occupations May Be the Perfect Jobs For Youhttps://middlebrooktimes.com/1014/student-life/high-demand-occupations-may-be-the-perfect-jobs-for-you/
https://middlebrooktimes.com/1014/student-life/high-demand-occupations-may-be-the-perfect-jobs-for-you/#respondMon, 04 Feb 2019 20:42:52 +0000https://middlebrooktimes.com/?p=1014Have you ever questioned your future path, and what you could work hard at in order to make a wealthy living? Perhaps you have dreamt with high hopes to one day work in a superior office, on the high floor of a building in New York City? Or, on the other hand, maybe you envision yourself having the potential to rescue sea turtles on a peaceful beach in Florida?

Deciding which careers to pursue may become very stressful and challenging, especially since your college choice may be impacted by your career interest. Luckily, this article will provide guidance in choosing your future occupations, or simply help to narrow your list of interests and options if you are looking to find a career in a high-demand field. With that being said, here are five rather decent-paying and popular occupations that are on high demand, and may set you up for a successful, tranquil eternity.

A Marine Biologist:

First off, I just want to put it out there that I personally desire to possibly pursue this career once I’m in college, so I may be a tad bit biased here. Although, whether I lean towards one side or not for a job, this is a beneficial study within the science field for the entire living population of animals, plants, and especially oceanic life. In a basic explanation, marine biology is defined as the study of organisms in the marine biosphere, including their natural behaviors, along with how they interact with the environment around them, such as other species of fish or coral reefs for possible habitats. This is an immensely broad field, and therefore, it is ordinary for these upcoming scientists to study fields including biological oceanography, along with physical, chemical, and geological oceanography. Given these various choices of careers, most marine biologists will decide on a certain topic of interest and pursue this form of research. Within these studies include many specializations, which is what particular fields are called, and many are based upon which species, groups, behaviors, or techniques you aspire to study more deeply. For example, molecular biology is associated with marine biologists. This structure of research may be taken advantage of through studies of coastal marshes; depths of the oceans; and multiple organisms, especially fish, coral, crustaceans, plants, and viruses. Marine biology is essential to advancing in our environmental well-being because exploring more oceanic geography allows more production for water, shelter, and food, absolutely given the advance in modern technology.

An Environmental Consultant:

In a simple overview, this career consists of conducting environmental assessments, given your specific technical sophistication or scientific background. This is legitimately proven to highly benefit private and public companies, whether this is accomplished through processing a court case, or perhaps if a corporation offers to purchase a land development that is required to be assessed, of course, by them. Additionally, they can conduct surveys of fields or sites that need to prepare for construction, and analyze conditions and quantities of pollution and contamination within an environment of interest or concern. Other duties of an environmental consultant are controlling waste maintenance policies, addressing legislative obstacles with their clients, conducting air assessments, and more, rather minor, tasks.

A Biotechnology Specialist:

Beneath the umbrella (more often than not) of marine biology, biotechnology specialists can work under several sub-fields, including being a clinical data specialist, who collaborates with varying departments in order to document, design, implement and finally test clinical data studies. Or, perhaps a regulatory affairs specialist, one which prepares for submission several document packages as a means of later delivering them to internal audits, regulatory agencies, along with inspections. These people, more specifically, combine all necessary materials for license renewals, submissions, along with annual registrations. The overall definition of this biology specialization is the use of organisms, biological procedures, or systems in order to manufacture products that may improve the quality of life. For example, this career dates back to farmers developing improved species of animals and plants by cross-breeding and cross-pollination. For the majority of the time, adults working at this career for approximately ten years or more move on to a different job to pursue.

A Software Developer:

First off, in general, these employees mainly spend their days cultivating flowcharts in order to provide guidance for programmers who are writing computer code. Flow charts are basically formed by a sequence of movements illustrated in a diagram. These diagrams, otherwise, provide ideas ranging from applications enabling employees and customers to fulfill specific tasks, to underlying systems controlling networks or running devices. Although it may sound easy, in order to become a software developer, you have to put perspiration and effort towards taking multiple steps for this goal. For instance, the first thing includes completing a formal education. Once you are taking college courses, it is essential to mainly aim for majoring in mathematics, computer science, and software engineering. On the other hand, while in high school or college, students may consider taking an internship. Eventually, after certification, continuing to attend conferences, and providing your best efforts, you will most definitely be rewarded with a happy graduation!

A Lawyer:

Lawyers are known by multiple names, such as attorneys, solicitors, advocates, or barristers. They are advocates, yet all the while advising for their clients in need. These persuaders either represent the group filing a lawsuit, or, on the other hand, the party defending the potential charge. There are mainly two categories of attorneys, including litigation attorneys and transactional attorneys. Starting with the first type of attorney, these people advocate for clients struggling over legal disputes, being resolved through lawsuits, negotiated settlement, or mediation. On the other hand, transactional attorneys (otherwise known as transactional lawyers) commonly sort out and structure business transactions, write documents for transactions, supervise and draft legal documents (such as escrow trust agreements), console clients, and make official and submit materials to people of government. Although this job requires a complete education and full four years in part-time law school at the least, this is definitely an occupation worth trying out if you are interested in law.

Overall, I truly hope that this helped you clear up confusion over specific occupations and decreased your stress levels about potential future colleges, careers, and general life paths. But, most importantly, whatever you choose to fulfill as a grown-up, remember that it is all about your happiness, your passions, and wanting to pursue positive qualities in life.

]]>https://middlebrooktimes.com/1014/student-life/high-demand-occupations-may-be-the-perfect-jobs-for-you/feed/0Eight-Green Students Partner with Bridgeport Rescue Missionhttps://middlebrooktimes.com/1011/news/eight-green-students-partner-with-bridgeport-rescue-mission/
https://middlebrooktimes.com/1011/news/eight-green-students-partner-with-bridgeport-rescue-mission/#respondMon, 14 Jan 2019 21:15:32 +0000https://middlebrooktimes.com/?p=1011Eight-Green students at Middlebrook School are coming together to participate in the Bridgeport Rescue Mission. The Bridgeport Rescue Mission is an organization that is “fighting poverty from the inside out.” They help poor families have access to food, clothing, and shelter. They also help with addiction recovery. The Bridgeport Rescue Mission works to “restore hope tomorrow and transform hurting lives forever.”

This year, 8 Green students are donating clothing items to the foundation. Signs and posters were put up all over the school asking for coats, new socks, new hats and gloves, sweaters, and gently used blankets. By donating clean and usable clothing, poor families in Fairfield County have a new sense of dignity and can consider a new way forward.

The schoolwide donation started fifteen years ago when the 8-Green teachers found out that the Bridgeport Rescue Mission was looking for items to be donated. “We found out that the shelter was in need of warm coats and blankets. We felt we could help them and provide gently used items that they would be able to use. This is a way we could help our community,” says Mrs. Festa, the 8-Green team leader.

It’s not just the teachers that are helping the communities around Fairfield County. Students of 8-Green participated fully. According to Mrs. Festa, “The students created posters to display in the school hallways, made announcements in the morning to encourage students and staff to bring in items for the drive. They also collected and placed the cardboard boxes throughout the school in the individual teams.” This created a first-hand experience for students in participating in a community event.

“As a school community, one of the many things we value is citizenship and social responsibility,” says Ms. Prata, a teacher at Middlebrook School, “So, I think that finding ways to reach out to our larger community and support it is something we value and should continue.”

]]>https://middlebrooktimes.com/1011/news/eight-green-students-partner-with-bridgeport-rescue-mission/feed/0Visiting Author Wows Middlebrook Schoolhttps://middlebrooktimes.com/1008/news/visiting-author-wows-middlebrook-school/
https://middlebrooktimes.com/1008/news/visiting-author-wows-middlebrook-school/#respondMon, 07 Jan 2019 21:11:36 +0000https://middlebrooktimes.com/?p=1008Every year, Middlebrook has an author come to the school to teach students about being an author and inspire them. Last year we had best-selling author Margaret Peterson Haddix. She presented her stories and how she came up with her story ideas.

This year, however, the visiting author had a much different style. Jordan Sonnenblick came to the school and wow’d everyone. He told students about his life and allowed students to laugh at his expense. He also allowed listeners to feel sorry for him when something unfortunate happened. His speaking caught many students across Middlebrook and teachers in his speaking web. Nearly all the students were amazed by the speech given.

Jordan Sonnenblick explained that as a child he was miserable. He had huge glasses, severe asthma, braces, and ADHD. His ADHD made him hyper which was horrible since his asthma pills made him even more hyper. He would always tap on his desk which would get him a one-way ticket to the office. As he grew up he became a grumpy teacher. He had a student, Emily, with an annoying laugh. He tried everything to make her stop laughing including putting her next to the most polite kid in the class and an emo boy. Nothing worked. He then learned one day that her brother had cancer and she had just hidden her emotions in public. He felt horrible. He decided to write a book for her. Twenty-one days before the book was published, Emily’s brother died, Sonnenblick explained. The book was able to help Emily and her family though, allowing there to be a little joy in a horrible situation.

Jordan Sonnenblick told the students of Middlebrook how to be a happy adult when you grow up. He explained that the first step students can do now is find something they’re good at and practice. He expanded on this idea by informing us that it takes 10,000 hours of practice to become an expert. Even though people may think that some people become an expert overnight with little practice, this is not true. One example Sonnenblick offered is The Beatles. The Beatles were thought to become famous overnight when really, they played in “cruddy” German bars for 8 hours straight. This does not include all the time they spent writing songs and practicing on their own.

According to Sonnenblick, the second thing needed to become a happy adult is to use your talents to help others. One of the best moments in his life was when he had published his first book. This is because it helped Emily and her family with their unfortunate loss to cancer.

Students were very fond of the author’s incredible storytelling style. One student, Aadi, on 7-Green explained, “ I liked all of the complicatedness in the story because it was very funny.” Another student by the name of Aarushi on the team of 7 Red, stated, “ He was funny; you could hear how he wrote from his speech.”

The author clearly proved to be worthy of the school. Next year, many students hope that there will be an author visit as grand as this one.

]]>https://middlebrooktimes.com/1008/news/visiting-author-wows-middlebrook-school/feed/0Summer Camp: To Go or Not to Go, That is the Questionhttps://middlebrooktimes.com/1004/student-life/summer-camp-to-go-or-not-to-go-that-is-the-question/
https://middlebrooktimes.com/1004/student-life/summer-camp-to-go-or-not-to-go-that-is-the-question/#respondMon, 17 Dec 2018 21:15:33 +0000https://middlebrooktimes.com/?p=1004This summer, I spent an awesome week at Camp Mohawk. My cabin mates were nice, my counselors were great, and all the activities were fun. I had so much fun, that the first thing I said to my mom was, “Hi! Camp was awesome! Can I go back next year for two weeks?” Again, camp was awesome for me, but some kids might wonder, “Should I go to sleepaway camp?”

The answer is: YES! Some people might say it’s too early to think about summer camp, but many camp registrations begin in December and January, so it’s just the right time to consider it!

One reason why you should go to summer camp is because you make friends that will last forever. Even though my Cabin Kids live in southern CT, or even NY, we still keep in touch, talking about Halloween, boring classes, and after school clubs. We are constantly sending funny BitMojis, funny photos, and our favorite times at camp. Even if we all had different camp activities, we still made funny inside jokes during siesta, bedtime, and meals. I totally agree with the quote, “When strangers become friends then friendships last a lifetime.”

Another reason why you should go to camp is because it keeps you super busy. I was always one of the kids “doing something” in the summer- lemonade stands, diving class, or even painting- I was out there. When watching shows about camp like Camp Rock I thought camp was mainly about just sitting around, but I was wrong. At summer camp, camplers are always given something to do. You can wake up at 6:30 and take care of horses, go to the waterfront during Rec, and write notes during siesta. I personally loved it! When I came back, I found myself feeling bored, even if we were doing something. I felt like I still had a bit of camp in me; I carried it around wherever I went. As they say, you can take the kid out of camp, but you can’t take the camp out of the kid.

And the last reason you should go to camp is because even if you don’t get all you want, you still have so much fun! One of my camp friends, Kit, didn’t pass the swim test, along with others in our cabin. But, we all cheered each other up, and we had so much fun! In my opinion, the swim test was nothing, but the memories were everything. We have all year to prepare for the next swim test, but we only had one week together. Also, we had so much fun making inside jokes, and laughing. One time in school, I was texting my camp friends about an inside joke, and my friend looked over my shoulder and said, “What’s so special about Blended Drinks, Crunch Bars, Crocodiles, and Cara?” And all I did was laugh- it was hard to explain.

In total, I would always suggest going to camp. My own experience would recommend it. Camp On!

]]>https://middlebrooktimes.com/1004/student-life/summer-camp-to-go-or-not-to-go-that-is-the-question/feed/0Google Tip #2: Download Google Suite to Your Phone!https://middlebrooktimes.com/1002/student-life/google-tip-2-download-google-suite-to-your-phone/
https://middlebrooktimes.com/1002/student-life/google-tip-2-download-google-suite-to-your-phone/#respondMon, 17 Dec 2018 20:55:56 +0000https://middlebrooktimes.com/?p=1002Have your parents ever yelled at you to get off your phone? Well, after reading December’s Tech Tip, you’ll have a good excuse to stay on for a bit longer! The entire Google Suite can be downloaded on Android and iPhone so you can use it to track your school work!

For IOS devices:

Go to the App Store.

Simply search up “Google” in the search bar.

Scroll down and select the apps you want. (I suggest Google Classroom, Google Docs, Google Drive, and Google Chrome, as they are used the most in our school. However, you can download everything in the G Suite onto your IOS device if you wish.)

Sign in to all of the apps you download with your Google account and your all set! All of your files should be in your Google Drive app, your Google Docs app, and Google Classroom.

For Android devices:

Go to your device settings.

Add your Google account and follow the instructions from there. After you are done, you should see a message that says “Account sign-in successful.”

Choose which products you want to sync to your device.

]]>https://middlebrooktimes.com/1002/student-life/google-tip-2-download-google-suite-to-your-phone/feed/0Google Tip #1: Create a Quick “To-Do” Assignment Listhttps://middlebrooktimes.com/1000/student-life/google-tip-1-create-a-quick-to-do-assignment-list/
https://middlebrooktimes.com/1000/student-life/google-tip-1-create-a-quick-to-do-assignment-list/#respondMon, 17 Dec 2018 20:51:05 +0000https://middlebrooktimes.com/?p=1000Have you ever struggled to keep up with all the assignments due on Google Classroom? Well, if you have, struggle no more! Follow these simple instructions to create a quick to-be-done list:

Open Google Chrome

Go to Google Classroom

Click on the hamburger menu in the top-left corner

Under the “Enrolled” heading (it is in small text so you might have never noticed it before) there is a clipboard icon labeled “To-Do”.

A list of all the assignments that are missing, have no due date, and are due soon should pop up.

You can also toggle between the “Done” list and the “To-Do” list by going to the top of the page and click on “Done” or “To-Do” to go back to your to-do list.

]]>https://middlebrooktimes.com/1000/student-life/google-tip-1-create-a-quick-to-do-assignment-list/feed/0How Did Thanksgiving Come About?https://middlebrooktimes.com/998/student-life/how-did-thanksgiving-come-about/
https://middlebrooktimes.com/998/student-life/how-did-thanksgiving-come-about/#respondMon, 17 Dec 2018 20:43:14 +0000https://middlebrooktimes.com/?p=998The majority of our Middlebrook community has celebrated the famous holiday of Thanksgiving – an opportunity to get together with family members and relatives, close friends, and all contribute to a gigantuous feast. Waiting to snatch away the mouth-watering turkey (or tofu for me!) from the plate embroidered with heaping mounds of stuffing, you tend to not eat as much throughout the beginning of the day in order to save your appetite. All of the family and friends’ stomachs thunder with hollowness, in need of thick gravy and creamy potatoes and, as a whole, everyone immediately plops down into their seats.

Chatting amongst yourselves, catching up on things that range from gossip to historical and current social issues, the essential goal is giving thanks. Although, what for? Perhaps, you may be uninformed about where this holiday originated. This holiday we all call Thanksgiving has a fascinating, historical context of how it became such a popular holiday.

First off, to provide some general background, during September of 1620, the Mayflower, a small ship which carried aboard a jumble of religious separatists, drifted away from Plymouth, England. Countless pilgrims were yearning for starting their lives with a clean slate, while others desired the prospect of land and commonly-talked-about potential for more ownership in this New World. Especially during these troubled times, many people fantasized over the stories told about the American colonies.

After a great while and a treacherous voyage overseas- for a total of 66 days- these hard working wanderers anchored their ship on the edge of Cape Cod. Unfortunately, this was an irrelevant area when it came to their goals, given that the pilgrims were searching for their destination at the mouth of the Hudson River. Where they settled was far north of this location.

Approximately a month later, full of struggles and travels, they intersected at the Massachusetts Bay. Although, instead of venturing off farther in these several months, they decided to try settling down in this area. More specifically, these people were attempting to create the foundation of a new village, one which we currently refer to as Plymouth.

Sadly, during the first immensely disastrous winter, the majority of the colonists remained on the ship, resulting in, as expected, an epidemic of scurvy, deadly exposure to the chilling temperatures, and other contagious diseases. Because of this, only about half of the Mayflower’s original pilgrims survived as long as to the point they were able to witness their first New England spring.

Later, moving farther up shore within March, the last dozens standing were unexpectedly and very briefly visited by a member of the Abenaki tribe. A handful of days later, the Native American returned with a member from the Pawtuxet group. Squanto, the name of the newly – introduced Indian, overcame many obstacles of a traumatizing life. Most notably speaking, he was previously kidnapped by a sea captain, an English male who imprisoned Squanto into slavery. Transporting the victim to London, there was a slim chance he would return to safety anytime soon. Luckily, he proved this wrong by escaping and returning to his homeland a while after, on an exploring tangent. Squanto was so friendly and welcoming to his new neighbors, that he offered many benefits to the pilgrims’ well-being. For instance, he taught them how to extract sap from the surrounding maple trees, be cautious around poisonous plants, fish in the rivers, and independently grow staple crops, such as corn. Squanto even accomplished as much as helping the settlers cultivate an alliance between the immigrants and a local Native American tribe, specifically the Wampanoag tribe. Miraculously, this relationship expanded on for about 50 years before fading out. Astonishingly, this occured all the while he was trying to personally overcome illness and malnourishment. To the modern day, this inspirational teamwork between two vastly different cultures, or lifestyles, is remembered as one of the essential examples of bonds with Native Americans and European colonists.

About a year later, taking place in November, 1621, a traditional and joyful dinner was carried out due to the proposal of this celebration from Governor William Bradford. He invited the allies of this specific colony, a helpful Native American tribe, honorably including the Wampanoag chief Massasoit. As a general explanation, they dedicated this time to celebrate the colonists’ first successful corn harvest. According to the authentic journal of a pilgrim chronicler named Edward Winslow, the meal mainly consisted of five deer, previously slaughtered by four men who went on a “fowling” quest.

Later, within the following couple of years, the popularity within this holiday grew in the local civilizations. Therefore, the sitting presidents of this/these decade(s) provided efforts into taking action towards marking a special day for either Thanksgiving, or, as a polar opposite, religious fasting, which were equivalently commonplace. First, the Continental Congress proclaimed that there would be a maximum of two days each year of giving thanks, only to later be modified by George Washington in 1789, designating Thanksgiving as paying gratitude to the country’s independence and accomplishing the ratification of the Constitution. James Madison along with John Adams agreed while serving their presidential terms. In 1817, New York was the first state that accepted this law into their government. Throughout the subsequent times, people gradually respected this tradition, becoming more popular each year; until eventually, Thanksgiving became a nationally official holiday.

Although they did not have the same food, cooking utensils available, and other traditional events or symbolic items, these settlers within the New World truly appreciated giving thanks, just like we all should. After all, the majority of us carry out much easier lives than these pilgrims suffered through on a daily basis.

]]>https://middlebrooktimes.com/998/student-life/how-did-thanksgiving-come-about/feed/0Should Class Sizes be Smaller?https://middlebrooktimes.com/994/showcase/should-class-sizes-be-smaller/
https://middlebrooktimes.com/994/showcase/should-class-sizes-be-smaller/#respondMon, 26 Nov 2018 21:15:11 +0000https://middlebrooktimes.com/?p=994Many classrooms consist of a large number of students and a single teacher. Many people think that this is a fine number. However, this can negatively affect the learning of the students. A smaller class size, on the other hand, can boost the learning of kids. Students receive more personalized feedback and attention, students are more likely to participate in classroom discussions, and there are fewer distractions that can occur.

Most classrooms in Wilton consist of about twenty-five kids and one teacher. This can rob students of personalized feedback and attention. A study conducted by RAND, a nonprofit think tank that provides information about the United States to the United States Military, shows that students who received more personalized learning experienced greater growth rates than those who did not receive personalized education, especially in mathematics. “I get it every time I ask for it, but I don’t ask a lot,” says Aarushi, a seventh-grader at Middlebrook. Students in the Wilton School district have many opportunities to seek “extra help” from teachers, you might say. Well, many students can explain their misunderstandings and things that they don’t understand on the spot. Extra help is very difficult to do on the spot with a large class size. With a smaller class, there are fewer other people that the teacher needs to also help, resulting in more time for personalized help.

There is always that student in the class who never raises their hand and never says anything in group discussions. With a smaller classroom size, that can change. Students would feel more comfortable speaking in front of a small group instead of a group of twenty-five students. When students feel more comfortable, it is easier for them to express their ideas and their problems. Students will also form tighter bonds and longer lasting relationships with their classmates.

If a class of twenty-five gets off task, it can be very hard for the teacher to get them back on track again. This is because with a class this size, when one problem is solved, another comes up. It’s like a wildfire. One tree is extinguished and the next thing you know, the tree right next to it is engulfed in flames. After the whole distraction is over, a big chunk of the teacher’s time is lost. A smaller class size is easier to manage for teachers. When teachers are happy, they teach better, which leads to better learning for students.

Many schools still have classes that are made up of twenty-five or so students. However, this can lead to poor learning for the students. If class sizes can be reduced by five students, the students in the class would receive a better education consisting of more personalized help, more student participation, and fewer things to throw the teacher’s lesson plans out of the window.

]]>https://middlebrooktimes.com/994/showcase/should-class-sizes-be-smaller/feed/0Getting Personal to Honor Wilton’s Veteranshttps://middlebrooktimes.com/991/news/getting-personal-to-honor-wiltons-veterans/
https://middlebrooktimes.com/991/news/getting-personal-to-honor-wiltons-veterans/#respondMon, 26 Nov 2018 20:35:17 +0000https://middlebrooktimes.com/?p=991Veterans Day, originally called Armistice Day, is observed on November 11 every year. It has been honored for 100 years, and the James B. Whipple Post 86 decided to honor this year with a contest for the best essay.

The question writers were asked to answer was What can you do or have done to honor veterans? Students were given the essay contest rules through their social studies or writing classes and many students participated.

Two assemblies were held to honor veterans from Wilton that included trumpets playing Taps, and all of the veterans in the audience were recognized and came onstage. One parent in the audience said, “The kids at Middlebrook were very well behaved and made this assembly more special for the veterans.”

At the Veterans Day assembly on Friday, November 9th, 2018, the essay below was also presented the winner of the contest by Mr. Bill Glass, commander of American Legion Post 86.

Getting Personal to Honor Wilton’s Veterans

By: Alex Kuechenmeister

As we celebrate the centennial of the end of World War I, it provides an important opportunity to honor Wilton veterans. Veterans are prepared to give up their lives for our country. They are ready to risk their lives at any second to protect the freedom of the United States. There are many who have died over the years that are Wilton veterans. James B. Whipple and Charles R. Fredrickson are the two Wilton veterans who died in World War I. By taking time to remember these two heroes from the past, we make sure their sacrifices are never forgotten, which have enabled Americans to enjoy our freedom today.

One way to honor these two veterans and all veterans is to learn about them and their lives. This helps their stories come to life, and we have a better appreciation for what they sacrificed. For instance, I learned that James B. Whipple was the first Wilton resident to die in World War I. He was born in 1893 and had three brothers and one sister. He was a machinist in Detroit before enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps. While Whipple was in the marines, he was assigned to a division in the army. In addition, a second Wilton resident named Charles R. Fredrickson died in World War I. He was ranked private and died of wounds from the war. As I learned about these men, I thought about how their families had made a sacrifice as well. They are also heroes to me.

Another way to honor veterans is to take time out of our busy days to think about the sacrifices they have made. Most kids may not think about veterans often, but we should consider what they have done for us. I was able to do this by visiting Wilton’s Veterans Memorial Green. It has six columns of honor that recognize Wilton’s fallen heroes who made the supreme sacrifice in America’s wars. While I was there, I thought about all 86 Wilton veterans who died and how their sacrifices created a world of opportunity for me and my friends and family. I felt thankful for them and sad that they died in action. I saw the names of James B. Whipple and Charles R. Fredrickson and silently thanked them for their sacrifice for all that has been given to me.

Meeting veterans in person and learning about history is one of the best ways to honor veterans. I had the opportunity to meet Mr. Bill Glass, commander of American Legion Post 86 here in Wilton. He taught me about James B. Whipple, and also the importance of veterans, such as their role in creating the history of our country, and their contributions to our community. Mr. Glass also told me about his more than twenty-five years he spent in the Navy, serving our country, during the Cold War. He shared a story about one of his most difficult moments when he was in the Black Sea and thought that his ship might be under attack. Most importantly, he spoke of the pride and satisfaction he felt being a veteran, and his hope that new generations will continue to serve their country. There are heroes with us today who are important to honor as well.

This Veterans’ Day my hope is that we all find our own way to honor veterans. There are over 20 million veterans in the United States who we can honor, but we should especially think about the military heroes that are living in Wilton today. They are our doctors, teachers, neighbors, and various other members of our community. They have given so much to our country and continue to give to us every day. Taking a personal approach to honoring and thanking veterans can mean more than anything, and I will always be grateful for our heroes.